Transparent Turbine Casing for Isothermal Solar Heat Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermodynamic cycles, such as the Brayton Cycle, suffer from inefficiencies due to non-isothermal heat addition, which complicates energy extraction and reduces overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid thermodynamic cycle that incorporates isothermal heat addition using a concentrated solar power (CSP) array to heat a working fluid within a transparent or semi-transparent turbine casing, allowing radiant energy to be transferred to the working fluid directly or indirectly through turbine blades, optimizing the thermodynamic process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If isothermal heat addition is implemented to increase efficiency, then thermodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to simultaneously extract energy and add heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat addition process and work extraction process into a single simultaneous operation within the turbine. The concentrated solar power array is integrated directly into the turbine assembly, allowing heat addition to the working fluid to occur concurrently with work extraction, rather than as separate sequential processes. This merging eliminates the need for additional separate heat addition equipment while maintaining isothermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a concentrated solar power array as an intermediary energy source that directly transfers thermal energy to the working fluid within the turbine. This intermediary solar energy transfer mechanism enables isothermal heat addition without requiring traditional heat exchangers or external heating systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired thermal efficiency improvement.
2Use of energy by moving object
If concentrated solar power array is used for isothermal heat addition, then heat addition efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a work extraction device and a heat addition device. The concentrated solar power array is integrated into the turbine structure, allowing the same component to perform both mechanical work and thermal energy addition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heat addition systems, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the advanced solar integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hybrid cycle achieves increased efficiency by maintaining a constant temperature during heat addition, enhancing the overall performance compared to traditional cycles like the Brayton Cycle.
Implementation Method 1
allowing radiant energy to be transferred to the working fluid directly or indirectly through turbine blades
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid may be heated convectively from the turbine blades
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a compressor, a concentrated solar panel (CSP) array, a turbine, and a recuperator. The turbine has a turbine casing assembly including at least a first casing and a second casing at least partially disposed around the first casing. At least one of the first casing or the second casing is at least partially transparent to solar energy concentrated from the CSP array to isothermally heat a working fluid as the working fluid passes through the turbine.